Funding & Financial Aid

Funding your education is likely a top concern. Here’s information that will help.

Tuition

Online master’s program

Regardless of their residency status, online students pay a tuition rate that is comparable to Wisconsin-resident graduate student tuition per credit. In Fall 2017, tuition is $800 per credit. The rate per credit for online students does not decrease as more credits are taken.

On-campus program

Tuition and cost of living change annually. Using the Registrar’s tuition and fees table, select the most current term, and under “Student Careers”, choose “graduate”. The rate per credit for on-campus students decreases as more credits are taken.

Employment

Most on-campus iSchool students work one or more part-time LIS jobs on campus or in the community. In addition to gaining experience and new skills, you will make connections with professionals who can serve as a resource and a reference when you apply for professional employment.

Most on-campus jobs pay an hourly rate and do not include tuition remission or benefits. UW-Madison does offer a limited number of graduate assistantships. Graduate assistants receive tuition remission, so long as they hold at least a 33% appointment. Most assistantships also include a stipend and affordable health insurance. Graduate assistantships come in the form of Project Assistantships (PAs), Teaching Assistantships (TAs) and Research Assistantships (RA).

The iSchool has a limited number of PA and TA positions, which are typically offered to doctoral students. Some campus libraries offer assistantships. Some iSchool students accept graduate assistantships that are not directly related to LIS because of the financial benefits. Although percentages vary year to year, in general, 10 to 15% of iSchool students hold assistantships or fellowships.

The department informs students of openings for jobs and assistantships via the UW-iSchool Daily Digest. You are also encouraged to search for jobs using these resources:

Enrolled graduate students are automatically subscribed to the weekly e-newsletter, GradConnections, which lists funding opportunities. Anyone on or off campus can subscribe by emailing gspd@grad.wisc.edu

Scholarships

The iSchool provides a limited number of scholarships to incoming on-campus and distance master’s students who demonstrate both merit and need. Awards are made for the first year of study and typically range from $1000 to $6000. Approximately 30% of incoming students are awarded an iSchool scholarship. The application for the master’s program includes a space for you to indicate your interest in being selected for an iSchool scholarship; there is no separate application process. The following scholarships are generally awarded to incoming students:

The Division of Continuing Studies maintains an excellent list of scholarships and financial assistance available at UW-Madison. While the website is geared toward returning adult students, many of the resources are applicable to a wider audience.